Reviewer’s Section

Author(s) :

LAKSHMI.S. , M.R.ANITA.

Volume/Issue :

Volume 1

,

Issue 2

(02 - 2015)

Abstract :

A study was conducted to assess the nutrient requirement of guinea grass (Panicum maximum J.) under open and shaded condition during 2003 to 2005 at
College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala under AICRP on Forage Crops. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with two main treatments of open and coconut tree shade and sub plot treatments of five nutrient levels viz. recommended dose of fertilizers (200: 50: 50 kg NPK/ha) 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent above the recommended dose. The results indicated that the yield of guinea grass is 7 to 25 percent higher in open compared to coconut tree shade while the crude protein content was always higher under shade. The treatment receiving the highest level of nutrients, viz 100 percent above the recommended dose recorded significantly higher green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, crude protein content and crude protein yield throughout the study. Under both light intensities, the highest level of nutrients contributed the highest yield and net returns. Hence it can be concluded that for obtaining high yield and net returns application of NPK fertilizers @ 100 percent above the recommended dose (400:100:100 kg/ha) is required in open conditions as well as under coconut tree shade.